What is an effective way to promote critical thinking through literacy activities?

Facilitating connections between texts is an effective way to promote critical thinking through literacy activities because it encourages students to explore relationships and contrasts among different texts. This process engages students in deeper analysis, as they must consider themes, ideas, characters, and settings across various works. By making connections, learners can synthesize information and construct their understanding, leading to enhanced comprehension and the ability to think critically about the material.

This approach also promotes discussion and collaboration among students, allowing them to express their thoughts, defend their viewpoints, and challenge assumptions. Such interactions foster an environment where critical thinking thrives, as students not only consume information but also analyze and evaluate it in relation to other knowledge they have acquired. Additionally, drawing connections can support the development of higher-order thinking skills, as students are required to interpret and infer meaning beyond surface-level comprehension.